The parents of a six-year-old British boy killed in the Sandy Hook shootings have said they will never regret moving to Connecticut.

Dylan Hockley was one of 20 children and six adults shot dead by gunman Adam Lanza in America's worst school shooting.

He was born in Hampshire to a British father and American mother, Ian and Nicole Hockley, and the family moved to Newtown two years ago.

In a statement released through the British Foreign Office, Dylan's family gave their thanks to the emergency services and first responders who helped on Friday.

"It was an impossible day for us, but even in our grief we cannot comprehend what other people may have experienced," they said.

The couple, who have an older son called Jake, said they had specifically chosen the Sandy Hook area to move to because of its close community and Sandy Hook Elementary School, where the massacre took place.

"Sandy Hook and Newtown have warmly welcomed us since we moved here two years ago from England. We do not and shall never regret this choice. Our boys have flourished here and our family's happiness has been limitless."

They praised the staff at the school including head teacher Dawn Hochsprung, who was killed as she confronted Lanza as he entered the school, and teacher Vicki Soto, who was hailed a hero as she tried to protect her pupils by hiding them in cupboards.

"Though our hearts break for Dylan, they are also filled with love for these and the other beautiful women who all selflessly died trying to save our children."

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The statement reads: "Everyone who met Dylan fell in love with him. His beaming smile would light up any room and his laugh was the sweetest music. He loved to cuddle, play tag every morning at the bus stop with our neighbours, bounce on the trampoline, play computer games, watch movies, the colour purple, seeing the moon and eating his favourite foods, especially chocolate.

"He was learning to read and was so proud when he read us a new book every day. He adored his big brother Jake, his best friend and role model.

"There are no words that can express our feeling of loss. We will always be a family of four, as though Dylan is no longer physically with us, he is forever in our hearts and minds. We love you Mister D, our special gorgeous angel."

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